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Monday, April 1, 2019
What Is Shakshuka and Where Did It Come From?
If a truly perfect dish exists, it just might be shakshuka. Easy to make, totally flexible, both comforting and exciting to eat, healthy, inexpensive, and composed of ingredients you likely regularly have on hand, it checks all the boxes for an ideal meal—plus, it’s fit for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner. As long as you like eggs and tomatoes, you’ll love this one-pan marvel, but even if you don’t do one or another of those ingredients, you can still make a version that appeals to you (there’s that aforementioned flexibility coming into play).
What is shakshuka?
Shakshuka (also spelled shakshouka), in it simplest form, is a warmly spiced vegetarian dish of saucy tomatoes, often with peppers or onions, with eggs cracked right into the mix, usually left whole and simmered to desired doneness, whether you prefer lightly poached or hard-cooked so the yolks are firm.
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Where did shakshuka come from?
The dish as we know it is North African in origin, although it may have descended from the Ottoman Empire’s saksuka, which did not include tomatoes but did feature meat; today, shakshuka is most strongly associated with the Middle East and Israel in particular, where it was introduced by Jewish immigrants from Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. It’s always been an affordable, filling, and undemanding meal, so it’s no wonder it’s only kept gaining in popularity all over the world. Its inclusion in renowned Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s 2011 cookbook “Plenty” helped spread the word, and nowadays, Instagram is a steady source of tantalizing shakshuka shots.
Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London's Ottolenghi, $19.49 on Amazon
The book that helped kick off shakshuka's popularity in the U.S.
Is shakshuka the same thing as eggs in purgatory?
While they have no direct connection to each other, Mexican huevos rancheros, Italian eggs in purgatory, and Turkish menemen (in which the eggs are scrambled) are all similar to shakshuka, proving that the combo of eggs and tomatoes is universally appealing, although all you need to do is taste it to know that. Eggs in purgatory is the closest analogue, with its eggs cooked in a pan of marinara sauce.
What does “shakshuka” mean?
The name means, roughly, “shaken” or “mixed up,” which is reflective of shakshuka’s casual composition. You’re basically just nudging things around a pan (a cast iron skillet is the most common vessel, but whatever works). There are no theatrics, no tricks to master, no pitfalls except maybe potentially burning things, but moderate heat and occasional stirring easily prevent that. You’re apt to find shakshuka on even the fanciest brunch menus these days, but while some places may have the nerve to sell it for $20 and up, there’s zero pretension when it comes to the dish. You can buy it in meal kit form, but you really don’t need to. You barely need a recipe, and then only the first time you make it.
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Is shakshuka good for you?
Generally speaking, yes. It’s packed with vegetables and all the attendant nutrients, but low in fat and naturally gluten-free if that’s important to you. If you don’t eat eggs, you can substitute silken tofu for a vegan version (purists will fight you, but it works). If you choose to load it up with cheese, labneh, and lots of pita, then perhaps it’s not exactly health food, but you could do much worse.
How do you make shakshuka?
Basically, you make a thick tomato sauce and crack some eggs in it, but beyond that, there are lots of ways to shake up your shakshuka.
If you want, whether it’s your first or fiftieth time cooking shakshuka, you can alter the basic dish by adding almost anything that appeals, like more vegetables, from chopped eggplant, peppers, potatoes, artichokes, and squash, to kale, spinach, chard, and other hearty greens.
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If you want to keep it vegetarian but add more substance, stir in beans, chickpeas, or lentils. And if you want meat, add that too—sausages like merguez or chorizo; ground beef, lamb, or chicken; whole pieces of poultry or meat; even fish or shellfish; anything goes. Season it with your favorite spices, from smoked paprika to chili powder.
Then sprinkle on as much cheese as you please—feta is a classic choice—or leave it off entirely. Same goes for labneh (thickened yogurt), harissa or other hot sauce, and any garnishes, like olives, fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), fried shallots, preserved lemon… The choices are many, and they’re all yours.
You can even subtract and substitute for the main components, although it will no longer be traditional (and maybe not technically shakshuka)—but everywhere it’s enjoyed, there are countless variations offered, and personal spins on shakshuka are part of its beauty. In your own kitchen, the most important thing is that you’re making something you want to eat, anyway. So feel free to go with a green sauce based on leafy vegetables and/or herbs if you’re not feeling tomatoes, or swap in silken tofu for the eggs for a vegan version that still feels a lot like the real thing.
Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $14.88 on Amazon
A cast iron skillet is a great choice for this one-pan dinner (and so much else).
What do you serve with shakshuka?
Once you’re done tinkering with—or just following—the basic formula, simply add pita, challah, or slices of any rustic crusty bread for sopping up the sauce. You’ll be totally satisfied, and certain to come back for more.
Try one of these shakshuka recipes to get started.
Basic Shakshuka
Shutterstock
This is a pretty classic version of the dish, streamlined and simple, with diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin seeds, and paprika, plus eggs of course. You can leave the yolks as runny as you like, or cook until they’re set. Get the Basic Shakshuka recipe.
Shakshuka with Zhug
Chowhound
Our slightly more involved take on shakshuka amps up the garlic, adds Anaheim chiles and feta cheese to the tomato sauce, and tops everything off with zhug, which is sort of like a spicy Yemeni pesto, made from cilantro, parsley, more garlic, and za’atar. Get our Shakshuka with Zhug recipe.
Green Tomatillo Shakshuka
There are many ways to make green shakshuka: nestle the eggs in a mess of collard greens and kale; blend peas and lots of bright green herbs for the sauce; even use shaved brussels sprouts, spinach, and zucchini. But this version from Love and Olive Oil is more like a Mexican interpretation, with a sprightly green tomatillo sauce. When they’re in season, you could try substituting green tomatoes for some or all of the tomatillos. Get the Green Tomatillo Shakshuka recipe.
Eggplant, Chickpea, and Chard Shakshuka
This one from The Roasted Root demonstrates how easy (and delicious) it is to add extras to your shakshuka, like eggplants, leafy greens, and chickpeas. Check your fridge for any languishing produce that would be good to toss in; the dish will be happy to embrace it. Get the Eggplant, Chickpea, and Chard Shakshuka recipe.
Chowhound
Vegan Shakshuka with Tofu Dumplings Over Kasha
Shakshuka without eggs is really just a sauce, or maybe a tagine. But if you can’t or won’t eat them, try taking a cue from meal kit delivery service Purple Carrot and simmering soft dumplings of silken tofu in the tomatoes instead—for the protein, sure, but also to evoke the tender texture and floating-islands look of the poached eggs in the original. And no matter what kind you make, if you don’t mind cleaning two pans afterward, you can cook grains like kasha, couscous, quinoa, or rice and ladle the shakshuka over top. Get the Vegan Shakshuka with Tofu Dumplings Over Kasha recipe.
Spicy Chorizo Shakshuka
If you’re craving meat, you can add something as basic as ground beef to shakshuka, but spicy chorizo is especially good with the warming tomato sauce and gentle eggs, as this recipe from Always Order Dessert proves. Try subbing in merguez sausage too if you can find it. Get the Spicy Chorizo Shakshuka recipe.
Fish Shakshuka
If you want to think of shakshuka as a method rather than a specific dish, you can get even more creative. Scour the web and you’ll find suggestions as novel as leftover chili baked shakshuka, but cooking fish in a more traditional rendition of the sauce (whether instead of or in addition to the eggs) makes for a great weeknight dinner, so give The Mediterranean Dish’s fish rendition a whirl. Get the Fish Shakshuka recipe.
Check out even more international egg recipes for more great dinner (and brunch) ideas.
All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.
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Gifts for the Mom Who Hates to Cook (Or Just Doesn’t Have Time to Cook)
With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s never too early to think about buying your mom the perfect gift. While eating is almost always fun, certain moms do not enjoy or have time to cook. Growing up, it was my dad who did all the cooking. It’s not that my mom didn’t like to cook, it just so happened that my dad was passionate about it, and honestly, he was a better cook (sorry, Mom!). That being said, we’ve rounded up some gifts that will hopefully help your mother out in the kitchen.
But don’t be shy to give her a helping hand. We all need a boost here and there. Whether it’s a gadget that will streamline meal preparation (aka make dinner in minutes), or a cookbook that recommends a drink for each recipe, we hope these ideas will mitigate any kitchen stress for that wonderful mom you have!
The Instant Pot
Instant Pot DUO Plus 8-Quart, $139.95 on Amazon
Amazon
Literally prepare meals in minutes. The Instant Pot may seem like magic to many converters. It dramatically reduces cooking time as much as 70 percent and even uses less energy. The Instant Pot promises to replace your “pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, egg cooker, saute, steamer, warmer, sterilizer—and it makes cake too” (pretty impressive). Roast a chicken in 30 minutes or make a big pot of chili in under an hour. Basically, you’re giving your mom the gift of time.Buy Now
An Instant Pot Companion Cookbook
“Dinner in an Instant: 75 Modern Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker, Multicooker, and Instant Pot” by Melissa Clark, $14.71 on Amazon
Amazon
Now that we got you hooked, your mom may need some inspiration. We’ve got you covered. Enter The New York Times’ food section reporter Melissa Clark’s quick dinner recipe book, “Dinner in an Instant: 75 Modern Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker, Multicooker, and Instant Pot,” a practical, easy-to-use cookbook to help mom tackle the never-ending question of “What am I going to cook tonight?” So even if your mom isn’t fully on the Instant Pot train, but she’s used that Crock Pot for years, she can now be inspired by some new recipes for making meals in a flash.Buy Now
An Immersion Blender
All-Clad Stainless Steel Immersion Blender, $95.99 on Amazon
Amazon
These bad boys are a rather lightweight kitchen appliance that’s easy to use and won’t take up a ton of space. Rather than pour soups or soon-to-be-pureed foods into a blender, dirtying up another large and bulky appliance, an immersion blender simply purees the food in the pot with a touch of a button. And they’re super easy to clean. Whip up homemade mayonnaise or whipped cream, make smoothies, puree soups, and even make your own baby food with minimal mess (or effort).Buy Now
An Air Fryer
Faberware 3.2-Quart Air Fryer, $59.88 at Walmart
Walmart
Air fryers make it possible to turn out delicious comfort food favorites quickly with rapid hot air technology that requires little or no oil. French fries, chicken nuggets, and other crispy delights are made within minutes without the guilt of excess grease, and this model even features dishwasher safe equipment to make clean up that much easier! This seems like a win win to us.Buy Now
A Popcorn Maker
Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker, $39.95 at Sur la Table (originally $75)
Sur la Table
Doesn’t everyone love popcorn? In our household it’s a favorite snack that’s healthy, full of fiber, low in calories, and just delicious. An air popper machine keeps calories down by using hot air pressure to cook the kernel, rather that microwaving it in weird fake-butter chemicals. Top popcorn with your favorite olive oil, melted butter, or coconut oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, and maybe a touch of parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a snack (or meal) in minutes. Personally, a big bowl of popcorn and a glass of red wine is a weekly ritual.Buy Now
A Handy Divided Pan
MasterPan Non-Stick Divided Skillet, $45.82 on Amazon
Amazon
Tackle sauteing or pan-grilling multiple foods at once with a divided skillet. This non-stick pan features five cooking stations or compartments, making it easy to stay focused while cooking using only one burner. The MasterPan can also safely heat foods in the oven up to 350 degrees. Ease the hassle of cleaning multiple pans too; this one is dishwasher-safe.Buy Now
A Fondue Pot
Cuisinart 3-Quart Electric Fondue Pot, $44.99 at Walmart
Walmart
Who wouldn’t love dipping a warm baguette or seared piece of steak into gooey cheese? Make dinner or entertaining super easy for your mom with an electric fondue pot. Or perhaps mom favors more sweet meals? Use the fondue pot to melt chocolate and dip pretzels and strawberries for mouth-watering desserts. The Cuisinart version allows the user to easily adjust the heat and all parts are dishwasher safe. This is great for a quick and easy dinner party for a small group of friends.Buy Now
A Pizza Stone
Sur la Table Pro Ceramic Pizza Stone, $39.95 at Sur la Table
Sur la Table
Pizza for dinner sounds great every night. With a pizza stone, homemade pizzas can be made quickly and efficiently to feed a crowd (or a whole pizza for one). Pizza stones can withhold high temperatures and can be used in the oven or on a grill. Top with your favorite vegetable or meat toppings, and you have a complete meal in minutes.Buy Now
A Loose and Easy-Breezy Cookbook
“My Drunk Kitchen: A Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Going with Your Gut,” $12.69 at Amazon
Amazon
When in doubt, give your mom the gift of some inspiration, fun, and booze with Hannah Hart’s “My Drunk Kitchen: A Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Going with Your Gut.” Based off her popular YouTube channel, Hart brings humor (and booze) into the kitchen, breaking down intimidating food barriers while making cooking just a bit more fun and tipsy. Booze pairings included!Buy Now
A Meal Kit Subscription
See Our Picks for Best Meal Kits
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Or do one better and buy your mom a meal kit gift certificate. With choices abound, companies like Sun Basket, Blue Apron, and Purple Carrot can help mitigate the hassle of figuring out what to cook every night. Each week, customers can select a few meals from a curated list. Many of the meal kits adhere to specific allergies or food restrictions such as dairy- and gluten-free meals. Others are created with vegetarians or vegans in mind. Prep and cooking time is at a minimal and most of the boxes are recyclable-friendly. We reviewed 5 of the most popular meal kits to help you decide, and tested the Sakara meal delivery service too (which is vegan and superfood-oriented—perfect if your mom is the health-conscious type)!
For even more inspiration, check out our picks for the best deals from the Sur la Table biannual cookware sale, and enter to win* our KitchenAid 100th Anniversary giveaway.
All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.
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Win* the Full KitchenAid 100 Year Limited Edition Queen of Hearts Collection
KitchenAid products are a kitchen staple for a reason—they’re reliable, sold at a fair price point, and beautiful to look at. With a rainbow of color options to choose from, we’re always proud to display our stand mixer on our kitchen countertops. We’ve partnered with CNET to celebrate this iconic brand’s 100 year anniversary to give you a chance to win a complete set of its brand new 100 Year Limited Edition Queen of Hearts Collection. This set comes in newly released color Passion Red, and will make you feel (and look) like the kitchen pro you are! This prize package includes the following products:
- Stand Mixer with Stainless Steel Bowl and Pouring Shield
- 2-Speed Hand Blender
- 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
- 7-Speed Hand Mixer
- 1.5 Liter Kettle
- 2-Slice Toaster
KitchenAid
To enter to win, read the official rules, accept the terms and conditions, and fill out the form below. You also must follow KitchenAid on Instagram, and you can get additional entries by following Chowhound, CNET, and our sister sites across our social media platforms and by visiting our websites. This giveaway is open April 1, 2019, through April 30, 2019, and is valid in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada only.
Head to the comment section to let us know which appliance you would use the most if you won! You can also view and purchase the entire collection on kitchenaid.com. Good luck!
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Matzo Toffee with Chocolate and Toasted Nuts
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Kung Pao Chicken
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